One of the most interesting things about the Earth Fare Supermarket is that they use local artists’ pieces to decorate in the cafeteria area of the store. This art rotates through as fast as possible depending on seasonality, customer purchase, or if styles change. They do try to keep the same styles for the most part however, unless all of the art they can find is of a different style.

Lacey Updegraff said, “for example, if we found a beautiful snow scene piece right now, it would not be appropriate, seeing as how we are in the middle of the summer time. However, we might contact that same artist later on in the year, and see if they still have that particular piece for us to use.”

The Assistant Store Manager, Brad, said, “if we find pieces we love and are a good fit, we will contact the artist to see if he or she will let us use the piece for decoration.”

If the artists agree to let Earth Fare showcase their art in the store, the artists will come and hang it themselves. This makes them feel like they are a part of the process. Furthermore, if a customer is interested in buying any of the showcased artwork, an employee from Earth Fare will contact that specified artist. The artist will set a price, and if the customer agrees and still wants it, they can buy it. The money then, goes straight to that artist and Earth Fare receives no compensation.

Why would Earth Fare allow this?

Megan, a loyal customer of Earth Fare, stated in an interview, “this is such an awesome way to really get the community involved in their store.”

Lacey commented further by saying, “one of the main reasons Earth Fare chose to do this is to support the local economy, which is very important to us.”

Earth Fare supporting the local community’s economy says a lot about their store. How many places of business even really care about the community around them? The amount of concern Earth Fare has for their customers and suppliers makes them stand out over any other supermarkets, besides just being a healthy and organic store. They go much deeper than that. For anyone who is looking for a supermarket to call their home, and where they are considered family, Earth Fare is the place to be!

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